Salted Rosemary Brownie Batter Oatmeal

A few months ago for my birthday, my BFF Kate gave me a box of chocolates from the vegan company Lagusta’s Luscious. One of the flavors was rosemary sea salt caramel, and considering my love of all things rosemary, this was absolutely my favorite of the bunch. Since then, I knew I had to make this flavor combo an oatmeal recipe.

What you’ll need:

• 3/4 cup milk of choice*
• 2-3 chopped dates, or 2-3 tsp maple syrup
• 1/4 cup quick cook steel cut oats*
• 1/3 cup grated yellow squash or zucchini (peeling optional)
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 rounded tbsp cocoa powder
• pinch of salt
• 1 tsp minced fresh rosemary
• pinch of coarse salt, for topping
• 1-2 tbsp chocolate nut butter, for topping (recommended)
• handful semi-sweet chocolate chips, for topping (recommended)

How to make it:

1. Bring liquid and dates to a boil, add oats, and reduce heat to a simmer. (If you’d like to add a teaspoon of flax or chia seeds, do so now.)
2. Add grated zucchini/squash. Stir occasionally.
3. Once more of the liquid has absorbed, add vanilla extract, cocoa powder, and salt. (If not using dates, add maple syrup now.) Stir. Taste; add more maple syrup if necessary.
4. When you’re pleased with the consistency of the oatmeal, stir in fresh rosemary and transfer to a bowl.
5. Top with another splash of milk, coarse salt, and any other additional ingredients (I topped with PB&Co Dark Chocolate Dreams Peanut Butter and semi-sweet chocolate chips).

Just an FYI:

Given my preference for stove-top, I opted for a brownie batter version instead of a baked “brownie.” If you liked my Rosemary Chocolate Chip Baked Oatmeal (and many of you did!!), you’ll love this.

I recommend you try this salted. The salt, however, didn’t make the pictures. Let’s just say I was too excited and forgot that important detail. That said, I can confirm it tastes fantastic both ways.

If you are adding the optional toppings (the chocolate peanut butter and/or chocolate chips), you can go lighter on the dates. The toppings will add a lot of sweetness and richness.